It is a fact of life that we all have stuff, often too much. Whether they are precious keepsakes which deserve to go on proud display or overflowing "essentials" which need to be hidden away, our selection of smart storage solutions will help you get organised in style.
High Design - Storage as Design Statement
Cabinets and shelves tend to take up a lot of space, so instead of choosing a functional but boring eyesore go for design statements which will impress your guests whilst concealing your junk. With its exotic form and riot of colours, the Chhau Donna Cabinet from Scarlet Splendour certainly has a big presence. Just make sure it is well stocked with booze and it is sure to get conversations going. Another outstanding design is the Millionaire Safe from Boca do Lobo, featuring gold finish and steampunk styling outside and impeccably finished drawers and shelves inside. Use it to store cheap everyday items and score extra points for irony. For a more restrained but equally sculptural design try the Atlantis Cabinet from Agrippa, with its angular and faceted panels beautifully hand-crafted in solid ash or walnut. The most literal way to make a design statement with storage solutions must be to spell it out with shelves. The ABC Bookcase from Saporiti is a modular system with shelves cleverly designed as letters of the alphabet, so you can use them to compose your message. The shelves add a graphic touch to any space and look great whether full or empty.
1. Chhau Donna Cabinet by Scarlet Splendour | 2. Millionaire Safe by Boca Do Lobo | 3. Atlantis Cabinet by Agrippa | 4. ABC Bookcase by Saporiti
Modular Systems - Your Flexible Storage Friend
The best modular storage systems are simple, practical and can be configured to fit any space, like the Column Shelving System from Studio Henk. The design is based on an 84 cm square repeated endlessly to create open shelves of multiple sizes. Made of solid oak planks which are assembled without the need for any metal parts or tools, this simple and effective shelving system is perfect as a bookcase. The Vertiko Modular Shelves from Mueller works on a similar basis. The basic module here is a 74 cm cube available in 12 different versions with shelves and closed cabinets in different positions, as well as various rectangular units. These can be stacked on top of or placed next to each other to create unique compositions. For a more industrial look try the Mecano Shelving System from Diesel Living. Inspired by Meccano sets, the design features exposed technical details such as joints and bolts, which give it a distinct architectural edge. The shelves can be attached to the wall, or to the ceiling and floor and used as a room divider. We also like the sleek and refined Unica Shelving System from Nomon, which is based on the idea of a slender pole with shelves pivoting off it. The shelves are actually attached to the wall, which create the illusion that the pole is freestanding, supporting the shelves like the trunk of a tree. This elegant design makes it possible for the shelves to go around corners too.
1. Column Shelving System by Studio Henk | 2. Vertiko Modular Shelves by Mueller | 3. Mecano Shelving System by Diesel Living | 4. Unica Shelving System by Nomon
Cabinets - The Great Hideaway
Cabinets are great for concealing unsightly items whilst presenting a pretty face to the outside world. For maximum visual appeal we would recommend the Traje de Luces Cabinet from Dooq with its graceful relief and rattan mesh panels, and the cheeky Lipsticks Sliding Door Cabinet from Seletti. We love the Dixon Storage Unit from Dare Studio for its retro vibe and the combined cabinet plus shelves design. For sheer luxury and a good dose of timeless oriental elegance we would suggest the Zuan Large Cabinet from Ghidini 1961.
1. Traje de Luces Cabinet by Dooq | 2. Lipsticks Sliding Door Cabinet by Seletti | 3. Dixon Storage Unit by Dare Studio | 4. Zuan Large Cabinet by Ghidini 1961
Floor Standing Shelves - Essential Storage in Every Style
Floor standing shelves are the workhorse of the storage world. Versatile and easy to install, there is a shelf to suit every design style. The Code 1 Shelf by Zeitraum is perfect for sleek, architectural spaces. The distinctive design, with overlapping shelves of different heights, is inspired by the cladding on modernist buildings. It is ideal for displaying a mix of books, files and decorative objects. Another great multitasker is the Eternel Bookcase by Milla&Milli, a beautifully contemporary yet timeless design featuring minimalist shelves on top of a cabinet with a meticulously crafted slatted wood exterior. For something more flamboyant try the Secret Cubic Shelves, designed by the artist Olafur Eliasson for Moroso. These sculptural and geometric shelves are best for hosting a selective display of precious objects and they work well as a room divider too. The Haku Self Standing Storage from Woak makes a strong presence with its striking bulbous design and makes for an interesting showcase for books and objects alike.
Trolleys - Storage That Moves You
Trolleys are not just for drinks, especially if the trolley in question is a Bordbar Airplane Trolley. Built to the exact specifications of the trolleys used in airliners, Bordbar trolleys can be kitted out with shelves, drawers and other inserts for them to be used for just about anything, from bathroom cabinets to mobile bars. Another excellent all-rounder is the Engioi Trolley from Formae. Its utilitarian design and cheerful colours make it the perfect storage wherever you need it, especially in the kitchen and the office. For a stylish drinks trolley look no further than the James Bar Cart from Stellar Works. Its steel and walnut construction oozes masculine charm, ideal for serving after dinner drinks. The Chariot Trolley from Casamania is likewise designed for food and drinks. Its outsized wheels give it a geometric feel and also cleverly obscure the lower shelf of the trolley, ideal for hiding illicit chocolates.
